Consul AOS Moderates an Informal Debate of Law Faculty Students from Universitas Jambi in Darwin

12/13/2016

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Consul Andre Omer Siregar (AOS) took the chair of an informal debate among Law Faculty Students of Universitas Jambi in Wisma Indonesia on December, 1st. “Let’s assume that this is an international forum in the United Nations (UN) where you are the representatives of your country. You will need to submit your argumentation but it will be opposed by the other side, what would you do to defend your ideas? How can you convince the president of the forum?”, Consul AOS inspired the students. “You will be given a limited amount of time and you must make the most of it to convince the president or to make your arguments stand. How you will do that? he added while everyone seated on a long table.

The students have prepared four motions for discussions. Those are Suku Anak Dalam (Indigenous Tribe) as Customary Law Communities; Refugees: Between Legal and Moral Perspective; Media: Between Law Enforcement and Social Awareness and LGBT in Indonesian Perspective. The students were divided into four teams consisting of three to four people. Each speaker was given three minutes to elaborate his/her argumentation and followed by rebuttal.

Like many other debate arena this discussion was quite intense but refreshing. It started when Melta Lusiani informed the house that there are problems with the Indigenous Tribe in Indonesia that needs to be fixed. “One of the traditional beliefs is that the Indigenous People of Indonesia oppose modern education as it will destroy their culture. Other than that, the indigenous people do not follow the rules and regulations that are applied to them. So, it is important that the Indonesian Government finds out good approach to overcome this problem” Melta stated. She recommended that more attention and resources should be targeted to the indigenous Indonesian. “From good education will create better understanding and the ability to obey rules and regulations” she said.

Christian who is representation from the other side of the delegation think the recommendation given by the speaker is not good enough and will not be able to overcome the issues. He demanded more real concepts to assist many Indigenous Indonesian with their needs. This topic was properly debated where both sides elaborated good ideas and thoughts.

In between one motion to another, Consul AOS provided the students with tips and hints for a good discussion. “As you know that the time given is very precious but limited so you must be able to elaborate your ideas in within”, Consul AOS advised. He also said that it is important that you do talk on behalf of your country/delegation and not an individual. “Once you are speaking to the forum you are not representing yourself but perhaps your organization or even a nation” he added.

The flow of the debate was interesting where four teams elaborated their good arguments. The debate was witnessed by Mrs Eurika Putri Anindhita the Chair Person of the Indonesian Women Association of the Indonesian Consulate, Ms Dina Kariodimedjo PhD Candidate at Charles Darwin University and the Universitas Jambi’s lecturers.

Mr Taufik Yahya – Dean of Law Faculty Universitas Jambi conveyed his appreciation to the Indonesian Consulate for facilitating this forum. He mentioned that some of these students are also the participants of Constitutional Debate which is held every year in collaboration with Constitutional Court. “The University looks forward to continuing its cooperation with the Indonesian Consulate in the future”, said Mr Taufik.

During the intense debate the guests were able to enjoy well known Indonesian Breakfast Menu Bubur Ayam (Chicken Porridge) and Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice). The guests took the opportunity to document their visit by taking photos in Wisma Indonesia’s pool area.

The group left for Indonesia later that day after a three-day visit in Darwin. One of the agendas during the visit was the sign of Memorandum of Understanding between Charles Darwin University and Universitas Jambi. (JM)​